This episode of Grow Money Business covers everything you need to know about Social Security: from how to get through to your local office & the expected wait times for their 1-800 number to how long we’ll be able to pay retiree benefits. The background here is that the trustees of Social Security are required to publish a report on the funding of the program annually. The 2025 report was published just a few weeks ago, and this episode covers what you need to know about it.
Show Notes
[02:09] Markets in a Minute – Recent market trends, including the end of the tariff pause, trade negotiations with China and the United Kingdom, and the Israel-Iran conflict, noting a generally positive market performance.
[06:28] Article of the Week – A featured article by Richard Eisenberg highlights internal issues at the Social Security Administration, including staffing shortages and increased demand, and provides practical tips for navigating the system.
[11:41] Social Security Trustees Report 2025 – Grant explains the key findings of the report, the funding flows, and the need for structural adjustments.
[29:37] Potential Solutions and Future Outlook – Grant shares possible solutions, including raising the taxable wage base, adjusting benefits, investing in higher-yield assets, and increasing the retirement age.
Resources
What the Heck Is Happening at Social Security?: https://www.nextavenue.org/what-the-heck-is-happening-at-social-security/
THE 2025 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE FEDERAL OLD-AGE AND SURVIVORS INSURANCE AND FEDERAL DISABILITY INSURANCE TRUST FUNDS: https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/TR/2025/tr2025.pdf